The list competitively identifies and then honors organizations in several regions of the country “that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment.”

According to the Michigan Business and Professional Association, which presents the awards annually, organizations are assessed “based on categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and more. Participating companies will have the opportunity to benchmark results with other cites such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Chicago and more.”

From the list of 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the West Michigan region, regional economic development organization Southwest Michigan First was named best overall. It was the winner in the Best of the Best.

It was among seven local companies in the region included among the “Elite” winners in the competition, for having demonstrated exceptionally innovative human resource practices and for having set high standards, according to the Michigan Business and Professional Association.

The the Michigan Business and Professional Association is a Warren-based organization of more than 20,000 small and medium-sized businesses in Michigan. It membership includes architects, accountants, attorneys, bankers, construction companies, physicians, retailers, wholesalers manufacturers and others.

The “101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” is presented annually in Metro Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, West Michigan and nationally.